Grafting is a wonderful way to propagate Bougainvillea plants, especially when you want to create a multicoloured display from a single plant. This technique allows you to graft different coloured branches onto the same Bougainvillea tree. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to perform multicolour Bougainvillea grafting using a new grafting technique.
Materials Needed:
- Bougainvillea plant
- Sharp chop saw
- Two different Bougainvillea branches (for grafting)
- Sharp knife (sterilized for safety)
- Grafting tape
- Polythene (for covering)
- Natural hormone (Banana is recommended)
- Fungicide (optional, for soil protection)
Step-by-Step Guide to Multicolour Bougainvillea Grafting
Step 1: Prepare the Bougainvillea Plant
Start by selecting a healthy Bougainvillea plant. Using a sharp chop saw, cut off the top of the plant at a suitable height for grafting. This will allow space for new branches to grow.
Step 2: Select and Prepare the Grafting Scions
Next, collect two different Bougainvillea branches that you want to graft onto the plant. It is important to choose healthy branches that are compatible with the rootstock. Remove the bark from the selected branches carefully, being mindful not to damage the cambium layer. The bark removal process is crucial for the success of the graft, so ensure you do it carefully.
Step 3: Trim and Prepare the Grafting Cuts
Adjust the entries (grafting sites) as needed. The cuts should be made to allow at least two buds on each scion to promote healthy growth. Make the cuts using a sharp, sterilized knife. This helps ensure that the cuts are clean, reducing the risk of infection and improving the chances of successful grafting.
Step 4: Apply Natural Hormones
To encourage quicker and stronger rooting, apply banana, a natural rooting hormone, to the grafting sites. The hormones from the banana will help stimulate the growth of new roots and improve the graft’s chances of success.
Step 5: Graft the Bougainvillea Scions
Now, carefully graft two different scions onto the prepared branches of the Bougainvillea. Align the scions properly with the rootstock and tie them tightly using grafting tape. Make sure the grafts are secure to prevent them from shifting. After tying, cover the top of the grafts with polythene to maintain humidity and encourage growth.
Step 6: Protect the Graft
Once the grafting is complete, you can apply a fungicide to the tub soil to protect the grafts from fungal infections. This is especially useful in humid environments.
Step 7: Monitor the Graft
Leave the grafted plant in a shaded area and monitor the progress. After about 30 days, you should begin to see signs of growth. Keep the grafts moist and ensure that they are not exposed to harsh conditions.
Step 8: Final Result
After 65 days, your Bougainvillea grafting should show new growth with vibrant, multicoloured flowers. The grafts will have taken hold, and your plant will display a mix of the two Bougainvillea varieties you selected.
Conclusion
With this new Bougainvillea grafting technique, you can easily create a beautiful, multicoloured plant with different hues of Bougainvillea flowers. By following these steps carefully and applying patience, you can enjoy the beauty of various colours on one single plant. Happy grafting and thank you for watching! 🌸🌿
